Guatemala Volcano Victim Relief Efforts

Summary

This shelter can help 120 people (children and families) left homeless from the Fuego Volcano eruption in Guatemala have a safe place to live until new homes are found. Here they have beds, warm food, showers (separate for men and women), staff assistance, psychological trauma care, clothing donations, and laundry tubs. There are also volunteers to help care for the orphaned children in our care, and things for children to do to provide a respite from the trauma they are experiencing.

Challenge

Over three thousand people are left homeless after the eruption of the volcano Fuego near Antigua, Guatemala. Their homes are destroyed, and the families and children need a safe place to stay until alternate housing can be arranged. They have nothing left, and entire villages were destroyed, so many don't have social networks to turn to.

Solution

The Santa Madre Homeless Shelter has been operating for 15 years, and can help ease the burden of the newly homeless families. We can provide them food, showers, laundry tubs, new clothing, safety, trauma care, medical care, bathrooms, and of course beds. This will make sure children and families are safe while reunification happens and housing arrangements are made.

Long-Term Impact

Having a safe place for these children to stay prevents potential abuse that could occur if they had to sleep in non-secured locations. Access to showers will reduce their risk of infections, keeping them healthy. Regular meals, safety, and comfort are all necessary to recover from the trauma they have experienced.

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